Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Vet Works With Area Youth

A local Vietnam veteran is doing what he can to help keep children off drugs and out of gangs.

Delbert Simpson said his main concern is helping Gurdon's children say off drugs and alcohol, giving them discipline and helping them have a good life.

Simpson, who has lived in the area most of his life, and in Gurdon since 1990, works with the Gurdon Police Department, juvenile and probation officers to help curtail juvenile crime.

He also works to help those on drugs get clean and keep others from ever starting.

Simpson operates out of the old Gurdon Middle School gymnasium. He offers children in the city one meal a day, which, in some cases, is the only one they get.

At the gym, the children can play basketball, volleyball and horseshoes. A Taekwondo instructor has been coming down once a week to help teach self-defense. However, Simpson said, he is working to get the martial arts instructor down on a more regular basis, such as three times a week.

With City Hall being renovated, municipal court was held at the old GMS cafeteria. Simpson said there were many residents of the neighborhood who had their eyes opened. They learned, he said, their children had not been truthful in saying the police had been picking on them.

The response to having court held there was positive, according to Simpson. The people, he continued, were pleased to know the police were not picking on their children as they had been told.

Simpson began his crusade by working with children already in trouble. Those needing counseling were taken where they could get help.

In addition, Simpson's crew works to help improve the City of Gurdon. Children are given trash bags and turned loose to pick up garbage. They also help mow lawns for elderly residents, and taking donations for their effort. They do not ask for pay in doing these good deeds.

The important thing, Simpson said, is the children giving something back to Gurdon.

In the eight years of his crusade, Simpson work has resulted in one child joining the Army when he got old enough, with another in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Some of the children he's worked with have benefitted from his efforts.

Branching out, Simpson works with some of his charges, aiding them in finding honest employment.

"I don't tolerate drug use," he said. "These children can see if you're for real or not. I'll do all I can to help, but jail is the last alternative. I try to show them a better way of life than crime and gangs."

Simpson's generosity and kindness has also helped curtail the growth of gangs in Gurdon.

His program stresses personal hygiene, to make sure the children involved are clean and healthy.

Those thinking they can saunter in the gym with their pants sagging will be sorely disappointed to learn this is not tolerated either. Any child wanting to participate in the games going on must make sure their clothing is properly worn, otherwise, it's out the door.

"The program is working," Simpson said, "and we're moving to the next level."

If his program can get more funding, he would like to do some work on the old gym. Getting new lights installed over the court would be one of the first priorities.

At this time, he said, there are 50-60 children involved. "I'm letting the community know this program is for them. If they destroy the equipment they only hurt themselves.

"I want to see Gurdon do better, the people get along and children do the right thing."

During the summer, those involved with Simpson's program go on a three-day survival course. They are taught what is edible in nature and must fend for themselves (with supervision). "There's plenty to eat out there if you know what to look for," he said.

Simpson and his wife have raised four daughters, two in college and two students in the Gurdon School System.

He said the gym is not a place where children can "hang out" and skip school.

However, the food offered and activities held are free to anyone wanting to get involved. They will, though, be told the importance of getting a good education, with Simpson working to help them keep their grades up.